BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy
- Course type
- Undergraduate
- Course qualification
- BSc (Hons)
Course summary
What is the fee?
For all course options, see fees and funding
Where will I study?
School of Health and Society
What is the UCAS code?
B160/B160P
How long will I study?
Three year
Overview
Please note, the course is now closed for September 2026 entry. The next entry point is September 2027.
Physiotherapy is a science-based profession and takes a 'whole person' approach to health and wellbeing. Physiotherapists help people affected by injury, illness, and/or disability to maximize their potential to return to or maintain function(s). To do this, we use approaches such as movement/exercise, manual therapy/handling, technologies, education, and behavior change techniques.
This degree, accredited by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) and approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), equips you with the knowledge and skills required by physiotherapists to provide evidence-based health care. Our physiotherapy graduates have excellent problem-solving skills. They are technically proficient, professionally aware, and, as such, move seamlessly into graduate practice. In short, they are very employable. The course benefits from dedicated and innovative teaching staff operating from purpose-built, state-of-the-art technical and learning facilities.
Upon graduation, you are eligible to become a member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy and apply to be placed on the Health and Care Professions Council's (HCPC) Register of Physiotherapists.
We are proud to have scored excellent ratings, including:
- 2nd in the UK for physiotherapy, and first in the North of England in
- Third in the UK for student satisfaction and first in the North West, according to the .
- We scored 96.2 for Teaching Quality and 94.4 for Student Experience in the .
- 98% of our Physiotherapy students were satisfied with the teaching on their course (º£½ÇÂÒÂ× analysis of 2025 National Student Survey (NSS) results).
- 94.4% of our Physiotherapy 2021/2022 graduates are in highly skilled employment ().
You will learn:
- Learn from enthusiastic and knowledgeable tutors including clinical specialists, key physiotherapy textbook authors, physiotherapy researchers and private practitioners
- Learn theory and practical skills in state-of-the-art facilities
- Undertake a number of placements to gain hands-on experience
Course accreditations and approvals
This is for you if...
You enjoy solving problems and helping people
You enjoy working as part of a team
You are hard-working and dedicated to developing your knowledge and skills
You are interested in how the body moves and heals
You want to work with people from all kinds of backgrounds
You have excellent communication skills
How you'll learn
Future careers
Through the programme, you will have developed key employability skills e.g. skills of enquiry, critical thinking, problem-solving and reflection. You will leave the programme with an extensive portfolio to demonstrate these skills and your CPD. You will be well prepared for the application process to successfully gain employment in a variety of roles in physiotherapy and other health and well-being related fields and/or further study.
Our graduates have gone onto work in a variety of health and wellbeing related fields. Some examples include the NHS, private sector, social services, industry, the armed forces and sporting organisations. We have seen the return of graduates working in advanced clinical roles to our postgraduate study programmes to further enhance their career development. Some of our graduates work at the highest levels of a professional sport such as rugby (Sale Sharks), football (Manchester City), cricket (Derbyshire CCC) and basketball (New York Knicks). Some have taken the skills they have developed and now work overseas or in physiotherapy-related research and education.
Career Links
We have very strong links with industry which you can take advantage of. You will gain wide-ranging experience from placements in NHS hospitals and community-based Trusts, private hospitals, sporting organisations and private practices both locally and beyond the north-west region. On each clinical placement, you will be supported by experienced clinicians and work as part of health care teams.
Modules
If you would like to find out more about the part-time study route, please visit our dedicated part-time course page here.
Year one lays down the foundation skills of clinical reasoning and problem-solving focusing on the anatomy, physiology, pathology and management of upper and lower limb conditions.
In year two, you will explore the neurological, cardio-respiratory and spinal musculoskeletal systems. Research methods are used to investigate health promotion activities and behaviour change.
In your final year, there are greater opportunities for you to direct your own learning and develop independence in managing your professional development.
You will undertake placements throughout the course, see below for further details.
Year one
Assessment and Management Peripheral 1
You will use lectures, practicals and tutorials to learn the anatomy, physiology, pathology and management of lower limb conditions to prepare you for your three-week placement. You will be introduced to the concept of evidence based practice by using skills to identify appropriate evidence.
Assessment and Management Peripheral 2
This module introduces you to the role of the physiotherapist in helping a wide range of people upper limb musculoskeletal disorders. You will develop the skills to subjectively and objectively assess signs, symptoms and problems and devise, implement and evaluate appropriate treatment techniques. You will do this by working on case studies, practising on peers and utilising low-infidelity simulation-based learning.
Fundamentals of Professional Practice
Communication is the fundamental skill that underpins effective professional practice in healthcare. This module allows learners to recognise the knowledge and skills required, analyse their own communication, and develop new skills through a range of simulated and practice-based activities.
The module emphasises the importance of a person-centred approach and includes varied modes of communication (including verbal, written and digital) with a range of people. Learners will be supported to build a portfolio record of their experiences and development gained through simulation activity and a 3-week practice-based placement or work-based learning.
Principles of Exercise and Activity
Principles of Exercise and Activity introduces you to the role of exercise and physical activity for people's health and how Physiotherapists use exercise to support people with health conditions. You will develop the skills required to plan and implement exercise interventions working on case studies with your peers, building a portfolio of exercise plans through the module which will be used within the assessment.
Year two
Spinal Assessment and Management
You will use evidence-based practice skills to develop theoretical knowledge and practical skills of assessment, analysis and management of acute and chronic spinal conditions and pelvic floor dysfunction.
Neurological Assessment and Management
You will use evidence-based practice skills to develop theoretical knowledge and practical skills of assessment, analysis and management of neurological disorders.
Cardo Respiratory Assessment and Management
Develops problem-solving skills in the assessment and management of patients with cardio-respiratory disorders, through the integration of knowledge concerning anatomy, physiology, and pathology.
Discovering and Evaluating Health and Wellbeing Interventions
This module covers the crucial skills of health and wellbeing promotion and team working areas of Physiotherapy and how to apply research critical appraisal skills to these areas of practice.
The module culminates in a group project around the discovery and evaluation of rationalised health and wellbeing intervention using a team approach, as well as a written assignment that discusses a team working skills' topic.
Year three
Assessment and Management in Complex Physiotherapy Practice
Facilitates your development of higher level reasoning skills in dealing with assessment and management of clients in challenging and unpredictable rehabilitation situations.
Research into Physiotherapy
You will develop skills in evaluating current literature in the context of practice-based practice. You will be taught how to produce either a research protocol, or completed study, via a poster or assignment option.
Into Employment
A collaborative module with other health care students at the University, exploring health and social care services in the context of current government policy with profession specific aspects to prepare you for employment in a changing environment.
We take a flexible approach to our course delivery that promotes diversity and inclusivity and provides a blended learning experience, which will vary to meet specific programme requirements. This learning time includes formal lectures and interactive activities such as seminars, tutorials, practical sessions, laboratory and studio learning. Smaller classes may be used to support collaborative activities such as project and group work and presentations. A range of different assessments and feedback is offered to meet the needs of both our diverse student body and specific subject needs.
Our undergraduate courses are normally made up of 20 credit modules which are equal to 200 hours of learning time. A three-year degree qualification typically comprises a total of 360 credits (120 credits per year).
Please note that exact modules and content offered may vary in order to keep content current and, for courses that offer optional modules, may depend on the number of students selecting particular options. When accepting your offer of a place to study on a programme with optional modules, you should be aware that optional modules may not all run each year. Your tutor will be able to advise you as to the available options on or before the start of the programme. Whilst the University tries to ensure that you can undertake your preferred options, it cannot guarantee this.
Entry requirements
Applicant profile
We are looking for bright, motivated and dedicated applicants who can demonstrate a commitment to becoming a physiotherapist. We would expect applicants to understand the scope of physiotherapy practice and the settings in which physiotherapists work. To gain this understanding you could visit the CSP website, join us at one of our Open Days or gain some work-based shadowing of a Physiotherapist.
You should possess good social and communication skills, have a caring disposition and be team-minded. An ability to be flexible, open-minded and a willingness to take part in interactive, lively sessions will help you to get the most out of your studies with us. Physiotherapy is a ‘hands-on’, skills-based profession, consequently, our practical classes reflect this. Practicing techniques on each other in supervised mixed groups is the norm. This does involve some level of undressing to allow a safe practice to occur. There are facilities and systems in place which preserve modesty.
As part of the application process, you may be invited to an online interview - if this is the case we will contact you with further details.
Have a look at our top ten tips for preparing for your interview.
Acceptance on the programme is subject to satisfactory Health and Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance.
The list of qualifications below is not exhaustive. We consider other relevant qualifications of equivalent merit. Further information in this regard can be obtained by talking with representatives of the Physiotherapy team at one of our Open Days or contacting the º£½ÇÂÒÂ×’s course enquiries team.
Applicants for the full-time physiotherapy programme apply via UCAS. Applicants for the part-time programme apply directly to the University via our online application form. Visit our guidance page for details of how to use the online application form.
The application deadline for the full-time programme applications is 26 January with interviews being conducted late January through till March. The application deadline for the part-time programme is 31 January with interviews being held in early March.
English language requirements
If you are an international student and not from a majority English-speaking country, you will need IELTS 6.5 with no element below 6.0. We also accept a range of other English language qualifications. If you do not have the English language requirements, you could take the Pre-Sessional English course to gain entry onto this degree.
Standard entry requirements
GCSE
Five GCSEs to include Maths and English at Grade 5/B and Science at Grade 4/C. You must fulfil our GCSE entry requirements as well as one of the requirements listed below.
UCAS Tariff points
128 UCAS Tariff points.
A level
128 UCAS Tariff points from a minimum of three A-levels. including at least one Science, (preferably Biology/Human Biology). Other acceptable subjects include: Chemistry, Physics, Psychology or PE.
BTEC National Diploma
DDM (Science based).
Access to HE
Physiotherapy, health and science subjects. 60 credits with 45 credits at level 3 at distinction grade. The other 15 credits will be level 2 and will not be graded.
Scottish Highers
128 UCAS Tariff points from A/ B grades only. C grades and below will not contribute towards tariff requirement. Advanced Highers may be combined with Highers to contribute to 128 UCAS Tariff points requirement, A/B grade Highers considered only. At least one science subject required (preferably biology/human biology, but other acceptable qualifications are chemistry, physics, PE or psychology).
Irish Leaving Certificate
128 UCAS Tariff points required, points from H1-H3 grades (A/B grades in the old system) considered only. H4 grade (C grade in the old system) and below will not contribute towards tariff requirement. Must include English, Mathematics and a Science at Higher H6 grade or above (D3 grade in the old system) or Ordinary O4 grade or above (C2 grade in the old system). At least one science subject, preferably biology/human biology, at grade H3 (or B3 in the old system) is required. Applicants without biology/human biology but with other science subjects (physics, chemistry, psychology or PE) will be considered.
International Baccalaureate
You will require a minimum of 32 Points. At least one science subject (biology, human biology, physics, chemistry, psychology or PE) is required but applicants without may be considered on a case by case basis. Applicants must hold English language and mathematics as composite parts of the IBDP.
European Baccalaureate
Pass in Diploma of at least 65% to include at least 75% in Biology.
International Students
We accept qualifications from all around the world. Find your country to see a full list of entry requirements.
T-levels
We accept T-levels with distinction overall.
Alternative entry requirements
The Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL)
The Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) (both Certified Prior Learning and/or one Prior Experiential Learning) is used as per the university’s Admissions and Retention Policy. If you are made an offer, you’ll be notified about what you need to do next to proceed with this route.
APL allows us to consider students who may not have the traditional entry criteria, but do have relevant experience or the ability to pursue the course successfully. Assessment may consider employer references, previous coursework/examinations or a portfolio of your work. You can find out more about APL on the º£½ÇÂÒÂ× Alternative Entry Scheme Page.
To be considered for APL you must have already achieved or be working towards GCSE Maths and English Grade C/4 (or equivalent).
Fees and funding
See below for fees
2026/27
| Type of study | Fees |
|---|---|
| Full-time | £9,790 per year |
2026/27
| Type of study | Fees |
|---|---|
| Full-time | £19,500 per year |
The tuition fees shown are for the first year only. If your course lasts longer than one year, fees may increase each year in line with inflation, up to the maximum limits set by the UK Government.
Additional costs
For more information about uniforms, DBS, Occupational Health clearance, and immunisations, visit our student onboarding webpage.
Optional costs may include approximately £60 for a stethoscope. Costs are approximated based on the current academic year.
You should also consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits.
Additional funding support for healthcare students
The NHS Learning Support Fund might be available to students studying the following courses:
- Diagnostic Radiography
- Occupational Therapy (including pre-registration Master's)
- Physiotherapy
- Podiatry (including pre-registration Master's)
- Prosthetics and Orthotics
- Midwifery
- Nursing (adult, child, mental health, learning disability, joint nursing/social work; including pre-registration Master's)
Visit the for further information.
How to apply
Still have some questions? Register for one of our Open Days or contact us:
By email: enquiries@salford.ac.uk
By phone: +44 (0)161 295 4545
Enrolment dates
Student information
Terms and conditionsUCAS information
Course ID B160/B160P
Institution S03